The exercise ball, also known as the Swiss Ball, was developed in 1963 by Aquilino Cosani, an Italian plastics manufacturer. According to Wikipedia, the term "Swiss Ball" was used when American physical therapists began to use those techniques in North America after witnessing their benefits in Switzerland. And According to Dwight Schrute (my favorite character from The Office), "This ab workout is specifically designed to strengthen your core. It has numerous health benefits, strengthens your back, better performance in sports, more enjoyable sex." I agree with Dwight and the physical therapists. But is there any research to back these claims?

Studies have shown that an excessive lower back arch (anterior pelvic tilt) will put you at a higher risk for injury (1,2). To reduce a lower back arch, I recommended strengthening the glutes, hamstrings, and obliques. Today, I will go into greater detail about the obliques and their influence on posture.

Below you will find the core conditioning program I use with my clients. The purpose of the program is to strengthen the abdominals, obliques, glutes, and hips. To do the program correctly you must perform all six exercises in sequential order with minimal rest between sets. For example, you would perform one set of each exercise. After you complete the six exercises, you will take minimal rest and repeat the circuit.